How does family shape your perception of strength? I am the youngest of my immediate and extended family, so there's countless examples of strength that have been demonstrated to me my entire life. My family is diverse in every way, giving me a first crucial lesson: everyone has their own, unique way they are able to be strong, whether that means moving across the globe, fighting cancer, working to give your kids a better life, volunteering in your free time, or being the one to make everyone smile. Secondly, it is obvious to me that there is really no other option but to be strong. I have so many people who worked so hard to give me the opportunities I have, and therefore I must be strong for them.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? My mom has always been my role model. I'm sure most people say that, but I do really mean it. As I've gotten older, it's easier for me recognize her incredible qualities. She is grounded, level-headed, and driven. These traits manifest in a very subtle yet effective power. She demonstrates immense empathy and humility in her day-to-day life while not compromising herself in the process. Lastly, and most importantly to me, she finds time for joy and silliness. I watch with such admiration as she seemingly ages backwards, hoping I do too.
How can you be strong and vulnerable? I believe these traits are inherently related, as holding space for vulnerability requires strength. Someone who is able to exert strength with a possibility of embarrassment, disappointment, or regret demonstrates a higher capacity for strength than someone who cannot be vulnerable. To be both strong and vulnerable, you need to allow yourself to fail sometimes and treat yourself kindly when you do.
What’s one thing someone could do today to make them stronger? I am a firm believer that visualization and affirmations help me succeed. Maybe it's rooted in me being an overplanning or worrisome person sometimes, but both help me get over mental barriers that prevent me from doing something. First, I like to think about my near future, whether it be the next day or week, and either make a to-do list or visualize completing what I need to get done.
Second, I have a favorite exercise for when I need a pick-me-up. Grab a small piece of paper or index card and start writing down things that you're proud of and that you're grateful for. Cover it top to bottom, then turn it 90 degrees and start over. Rotate, flip, and repeat until you can't make out any of the words and the card is completely covered. At some point, it will probably become difficult to think of things to add, and that is where the magic happens. Actively looking for your favorite, less-obvious characteristics about yourself or the smallest thing that made you smile that day is wonderful to practice.
If you could ask a question to other women regarding strength, what would you ask? I just graduated from college this past May. What strengths should I look forward to gaining as I join the "real world"?
Meredith’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? My friend was driving some friends and I around to run errands and her tire popped. She pulled over in front of an apartment complex, but none of us knew how to change the tire. We were completely blocking the way for this man who lives in the apartment, but he got out of his car and helped us change the tire. After he was done, I gave him the $100.
Giving the $100 to this man felt like the perfect time for many reasons. Not only did he help us for probably over 45 minutes with no complaints, but he was an incredibly kind person who we enjoyed getting to know. He taught us every step of the tire-changing process while telling us the stories of all the times he's done it in the past. We joked about how we thought he was getting out of the car to yell at us for being in the way, and he responded with "life is too short to get mad." He told us his job in limb salvage, working with pre-amputation patients and trying to help them avoid the procedure if possible. He was not only an angel helping us in the moment, but a refreshing reminder to not take things too seriously and to find joy in unfortunate circumstances.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? For a while, I had no idea how to use my $100. I tried to think about times in the past few months where I've encountered people who I thought deserved some extra kindness. After a lot of thinking, I realized that an opportunity would come to me, and I didn't have to reach into the past. I kept the money on me as much as possible and waited for a sign or a feeling that it was time to give back. This alone was an incredible experience. There is so much to be grateful for and so many people who deserve some extra love, and both so often goes overlooked. With a constant intention of looking for these opportunities, I felt a clear perspective change in myself when going about my normal day. As I expected, a beautiful moment did come up and I was excited to share the kindness. It has been about a month now since I got the money, and I believe that I continue to not only look for places to be kind, but see a lot more kindness around me in other people as well.